Samantha Levreault and Sydney Thompson, Gateway Regional High School flutists, named to Western Massachusetts Music Educators District Festival Band

Gateway Regional High School students Sydney Thompson, left, and Samantha Levreault were named to the Western Massachusetts Music Educators District Festival Band.Submitted photo

HUNTINGTON - Two flute players from Gateway Regional High School were named to the Western Massachusetts Music Educators District Festival Band, according to Instrumental Music Director Beth Guertin.

Senior Samantha Levreault and junior Sydney Thompson were not only named to the elite regional concert band, but also received recommendations for the Massachusetts Music Educators Association's all-state music festival.

"I am very proud of how far they've come and feel incredibly fortunate to have such wonderful students here at Gateway," said Guertin. "They have both worked hard, and I'm very happy to see that work pay off! It also makes a big difference that both girls study with private flute teachers. Many thanks to them as well!"

The district band concert was held on Jan. 12 at the University of Massachusetts Fine Arts Center in Amherst.

This is the third consecutive year that Thompson has qualified for the senior music festival, and the fourth for Levreault. Both girls also participated in the junior district festivals as seventh- and eighth-graders.

Levreault is the daughter of Susan and Mark Levreault, of Worthington, and studied flute with Sarah Swersey, of the Northampton Community Music Center.

Thompson is the daughter of Wendy Thompson, of Russell, and studies with Lynn Winsor, of Huntington.